A brighter future awaits the youth of Davao Oriental as the province officially joins the groundbreaking JobStart Philippines program, set to launch in 2025. This initiative aims to provide transformative career opportunities, particularly for out-of-school youth, helping them progress toward a more secure and prosperous future.
The milestone was marked with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on November 25, 2024, at the Grand Conference Room in the Provincial Capitol. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Provincial Government, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), to formalize their partnership in making meaningful career pathways accessible to young people.
Empowering Youth through JobStart
The program’s initial batch of 100 beneficiaries will undergo a three-stage training process:
- Life Skills Training (LST): A 10-day program focused on strengthening personal abilities.
- Technical Training: An intensive three-month specialized training program tailored to specific skill sets.
- Internship: A 2-3 month placement with an employer, where participants earn salaries while gaining hands-on experience.
Following the training, participants have a significant chance of being offered regular employment based on their performance.
Davao Oriental: A Chosen Province
Davao Oriental is among a select group of provinces nationwide chosen to implement JobStart, thanks to the province’s rigorous preparation and evaluation by DOLE and BLE. In the Davao Region, only Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte qualified for the program.
Governor Niño Uy expressed deep gratitude and excitement about this opportunity for the youth. In his speech, he reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting out-of-school youth and addressing unemployment.
“This program is a game-changer for our youth, especially for those who have not finished their education. It offers them a chance to become self-reliant and helps reduce poverty levels in our province. This is a significant step toward a better future,” Governor Uy stated.
DOLE Regional Office IX Director Randolf C. Pensoy emphasized that JobStart bridges the gap between education and employment, providing young individuals with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce.
Provincial PESO Manager Restie Aguilon, the program’s focal person, announced that the implementation would begin in January 2025. He encouraged young people to stay updated by following the official pages of the Provincial Government and PESO Davao Oriental for further details.
JobStart Philippines promises to transform the lives of Davao Oriental’s youth, opening doors to opportunities that empower them to thrive in a competitive job market and build a brighter future.